To businesspeople in Jakarta, the president defends increasing trade between Brazil and the Asian country to above US$ 15 or 20 billion
The president (PT) stated this Thursday (23.Oct.2025) that he will try to advance negotiations for a trade agreement between Mercosur and Indonesia by the end of 2025 – when Brazil’s presidency in the South American bloc ends. He made the statement at the closing of the Brazil-Indonesia business forum in Jakarta.
During the event, Lula said that “and very little” that 2 countries with more than 200 million inhabitants, with “so many similarities and needs between them”do not have “worked hard enough” to have a trade above US$ 15 or 20 billion.
“My arrival is a demonstration that Brazil wants to take this strategic partnership with Indonesia very seriously”he stated. Lula travels to the Asian country after receiving the Indonesian president, (Gerindra party, right), in Brazil.
According to the PT member, relations between the countries have advanced, but current bilateral trade is not compatible with the objective of the strategic partnership or action in the BRICS. Among the benefits that can be achieved with the proximity between Brazil and Indonesia, Lula cited:
- contribution to food security in the Asian country;
- facilitating trade and reducing costs for end consumers;
- expansion of partnerships between countries’ security forces;
- jointly creating a global biofuels market.
Indonesia is the 16th largest destination for Brazilian exports and the 5th in agribusiness. In 2024, bilateral trade reached a record value: US$6.3 billion, with a Brazilian surplus (US$2.6 billion).
FUND FOR FORESTS
Lula also thanked the “fundamental support” from Indonesia to the (Tropical Forests Forever Fund, in Portuguese), an initiative that will be presented at . He explained to businesspeople about the investment fund: “When announcing it, Brazil deposited US$1 billion in this fund. A part of the profit will be transformed into financing for countries that keep their forests standing. No one will ask for money to maintain the forests anymore”.
According to Apex (Brazilian Export and Investment Promotion Agency), the event brought together authorities and business representatives from the 2 countries, with the aim of deepening bilateral economic relations and identifying new opportunities for commercial and investment cooperation.
The agenda also featured business and institutional panels and bilateral business meetings that addressed topics such as economic and technological cooperation, sustainability and energy, agribusiness, industry and opportunities for export diversification in the region.
This is the first visit by a Brazilian chief executive to the Asian country since 2008. After the ceremony to sign acts between the 2 countries, Lula told journalists that both want to exchange the real and the Indonesian rupiah.
Lula’s visit to Asia, seeks to strengthen strategic partnerships with Southeast Asian countries and expand Brazil’s presence in the region. In addition to the state visit to Indonesia, the PT member will participate in the Asean (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) and East Asian summits in Malaysia, and in meetings with Brazilian and Asian businesspeople. The president returns to Brazil on October 28.
In Malaysia, the Chief Executive, Donald Trump (Republican party). The information was released by a White House official, but the meeting has not yet been confirmed.
